I'm trying to extend my kitchen out into an adjacent living area. There are no walls in the area. I'm debating on whether to build a partition wall behind the base cabinets or just using wood that matches the cabinets. I was thinking about just going with a wall with plaster veneer (drywall with hard coat). This will make my electrical connections easier to run. I need to put a couple outlets in the partition wall.

My brother had custom cabinets installed with matching wood backing. They offset plywood squares and used trim pieces to create a picture frame look. They also added other custom features to it. They actually still built a wall to attach all of this to. This was probably due to the drain pipe and water lines coming up from the slab. Should I build a partition wall behind the cabinets? Would it be possible for me to purchase wood and try to match the stain for the cabinets? I could try to match the custom look of my brothers cabinets. I haven't decided on the finish. I'm leaning towards a maple wood stained to a dark color.

Where in your picture do you want the partition wall? You could always mount outlets in the back side of the cabinets without building a partition wall. Usually cabinet mfgs can sell you wood panels that match the color/wood of your cabinets. This could be applied to the back of your cabinets or they may offer some type of panel for the same effect. May be cheaper to build the wall if you finish it with drywall and paint it but the mfg covering would likely look more professional and stylish.

bluefitness

11-09-2010 07:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob22
(Post 531572)

Where in your picture do you want the partition wall? You could always mount outlets in the back side of the cabinets without building a partition wall. Usually cabinet mfgs can sell you wood panels that match the color/wood of your cabinets. This could be applied to the back of your cabinets or they may offer some type of panel for the same effect. May be cheaper to build the wall if you finish it with drywall and paint it but the mfg covering would likely look more professional and stylish.

The wall would be under the countertop where the seating area is. The countertop will overhang the back of the cabinets by around 12 inches. They were willing to sell me panels that go on the back side. They will be just plain wood panels. There wouldn't be any trim. My other option would be to use birch plywood or find some other type of paneling and just stain it to match the cabinets. I don't know how well that would work out.

jlhaslip

11-09-2010 07:49 PM

The eating bar would be stronger with a wall there.

And you could still finish it with those panels or paint.
Eating bars can be at 36" (counter height) or at 42" (raised eating bar).
Don't forget to size the counter top accordingly.